Viking Names New Ship and Unveils Expansion

The most recent in fleet of brand-new Viking river ships to be stationed on the Nile has been given a godfather in the person of George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon.

The first ceremonial godfather of the business performed the naming ceremony for Viking Osiris in Luxor.

The ship, which was constructed at the Cairo shipyard Massara with a focus on Nile navigation, will run Viking’s “Pharaohs and Pyramids” program.

The 82-passenger Viking Osiris joins the 2018-launched Viking Ra on the Nile.

In 2023, Viking Aton, a sister ship to Viking Osiris that is identical, will join the fleet.

Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek, two other sister ships that will be delivered in 2024 and 2025, are now under construction.

Chairman of Viking, Torstein Hagen, said: “Egypt has always drawn curious explorers for its rich history and ancient antiquities, and ever since we first began operating on the Nile River in 2004, our guests continue to be amazed by the country’s many cultural treasures. 

“We are pleased to officially welcome the Viking Osiris to our growing fleet on the Nile River, which allows us to welcome even more curious explorers to this incredible destination.

“During this milestone year for Egypt, we are also very grateful for the continued close friendship with the Carnarvon family, and that Lord Carnarvon has honoured us by serving as the first godfather in our history.”

Lord Carnarvon added: “It is a great honour to be asked to be godfather to the Viking Osiris, one of the most beautiful river vessels to have ever graced the Nile. 

“This is especially the case in the centenary year of my great-grandfather’s discovery of the tomb of the Pharoah Tutankhamun, and no doubt he and my great-grandmother, Lady Almina, would have been delighted to board the Viking Osiris had it been sailing in their day.”